SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Constable Precinct 3 Donald Rust has recommended the Smith County District Attorney's Office close the investigation on Police Chief Rick Waller, but not on Fire Chief Ronny Fite, unless he agrees to retire.

Assistant City Manager Kevin Huckabee released the following statement in regard to the Smith County District Attorney's Office dropping their investigation against Whitehouse officials:

The City of Whitehouse has not directed the Smith County District Attorney's Office to dismiss any investigation against Ronny Fite for misuse of fuel or any other criminal activity involving the City of Whitehouse.

The City of Whitehouse agreed not [to] pursue an investigation against Rick Waller, due to him being permitted by the Ex-City Manager Ronny Fite to get fuel while receiving a vehicle allowance.

Whether Ronny Fite was permitting this action lawfully, or whether he was lawfully obtaining city fuel himself while receiving a vehicle allowance, will be up to the Smith County District Attorney's Office.

Today, Rick Waller tendered his resignation to the city manager effective March 16.

SMITH COUNTY — The investigation against Whitehouse Fire Chief Ronnie Fite and Police Chief Rick Waller has been called off, according to Whitehouse City Manager Mike Peterson.

Peterson sent a letter to Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham yesterday, requesting the investigation be dropped against the pair. The DA's office accepted his request.

No charges against Fite or Waller were ever formally filed. Authorities were investigating both men for financial irregularities and other undisclosed charges.

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